Julian brought Croagunk to the training field.
As soon as he entered, he saw Machamp standing there with all four hands held like blades, chopping fiercely at a specially made rubber dummy.
Karate Chop, Brick Break, and Cross Chop formed a complete progression path for Fighting-type moves.
Machamp had already accumulated a great deal of battle experience over the years and had developed his own techniques for using moves. Later, Julian read through large amounts of material on Fighting-type Pokémon and their moves, then translated the theory into explanations Machamp could understand.
Machamp was eager to learn and absorbed that Fighting-type knowledge seriously.
At this point, he could be considered Veilstone Gym’s only true Fighting master.
Compared to Poison type, Julian was more willing to develop Croagunk’s Fighting type first.
Improving its Fighting-type foundation would drive the growth of its body. Once its physique improved, the strength of its poison would naturally rise as well.
More importantly, with a Fighting master like Machamp teaching him, Croagunk would learn much faster.
"Machamp, show Croagunk how to train Bulk Up."
Machamp walked over and glared fiercely at Croagunk with both eyes.
Croagunk did not flinch.
Instead, he stared back with that same cold look, almost as if challenging him.
Machamp nodded in satisfaction.
Then he began demonstrating his understanding of Bulk Up.
"Champ!"
Machamp clenched all four fists and shifted his stance repeatedly, mobilising the muscles throughout his body as much as possible.
A hazy red light flowed through his muscles, making them swell slightly as his Attack and Defense rose.
The demonstration was detailed, and Croagunk’s eyes gradually filled with admiration.
He had never imagined Bulk Up could be used like this.
That had been the detailed version.
Now Machamp showed Croagunk how Bulk Up worked in real combat.
He lightly drew in a breath and adjusted his posture.
A red light flashed across the surface of his body.
Bulk Up was complete.
When using strengthening moves, the goal was to be as fast as possible while preserving the effect.
"Croagunk, for now, focus on training Bulk Up and Brick Break. For your other moves, just do basic practice to make sure your proficiency doesn’t drop."
"Machamp will be your coach. He’ll guide your training for Bulk Up and Brick Break, so learn properly."
Croagunk nodded seriously.
With only a small demonstration, Machamp had already convinced him.
Julian went into the storage room and carried out a small rubber pillar, fixing it in one corner of the training field.
"This rubber pillar is for Croagunk’s exclusive use. His palms secrete poison, so if anyone shares training equipment with him, there’s a risk of poisoning. All of you need to be careful."
Machamp nodded.
"Champ."
He was telling Julian not to worry. He would supervise everyone’s training and make sure no one used the wrong equipment.
Maylene did not like staying indoors and using equipment to train.
She preferred open-air environments. In her view, Pokémon had to feel nature to truly train their bodies, moves, and will.
That was Maylene’s path as a Trainer.
Julian would not interfere with it.
After settling Croagunk in, he crouched and rubbed Jangmo-o’s head.
"You fought well today."
Jangmo-o happily narrowed his eyes and enjoyed the praise.
"After you evolve, you’ll gain the Fighting type. It’s about time we let you start learning Fighting moves. Maybe that will help us find the trigger for your evolution."
"Like Croagunk, you’ll learn Brick Break and Bulk Up."
One Pokémon learning alone was boring.
Two Pokémon learning together would progress faster.
Competition brought improvement.
Jangmo-o nodded, fighting spirit shining in his eyes.
He had won the battle earlier.
He would definitely win at learning Brick Break and Bulk Up too.
Julian beckoned to Machoke.
"Machoke, please teach Jangmo-o Bulk Up and Brick Break."
Machoke nodded solemnly and thumped his chest, promising to teach Jangmo-o properly.
"Once you learn them, I’ll arrange for you and Croagunk to train together."
Jangmo-o nodded heavily.
"Jang!"
He swayed his tail and walked up to Machoke, urging him to start quickly.
He was not going to lose to Croagunk.
Julian had not hidden any of that from Croagunk or Machamp, so Croagunk naturally heard it all.
His expression shifted subtly.
Machamp smiled but said nothing.
He simply increased the intensity of the training.
He knew very well that no matter how hard the training became, the current Croagunk would not complain.
He would endure it silently.
Back when Machamp was still a Machoke, he had pushed through training the same way alongside Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee.
Julian smiled faintly as well, hiding his contribution, then turned and went to prepare the post-training meal.
After training, something hot was best for lifting everyone’s spirits.
Since Croagunk had joined the team today, it could also count as a small welcome party.
Julian was preparing the ingredients when Maylene rushed into the kitchen.
"Julian, the flowers in the backyard bloomed. Spring’s here. When are we going on a spring outing?"
He tapped her forehead.
"Spring outing, spring outing. All you think about is playing. I’ll ask Reggie tonight and see whether he wants to bring his brother with us."
Maylene puffed out her cheeks.
"I don’t want to go on a spring outing with that cold-blooded person. It’ll ruin the mood."
Julian smiled.
"Then it’ll just be the two of us."
Only then did she brighten.
"That’s more like it. Next time Cassia comes to Veilstone City, we can invite her too."
"Julian, next time you have to seize the chance. You absolutely can’t let Cassia run away again."
He pinched her cheek.
"Adults’ business isn’t something children need to worry about. Training Riolu properly is your job."
Maylene shook off his hand, ran to the kitchen door, and made a face.
"If I don’t help you, be careful you don’t end up old and alone!"
After she ran off, Julian thought for a moment.
Maybe when his online friend sent him the Toxic training materials, he could ask whether they had any good ideas for pursuing a girl.
While waiting for the post-training meal to finish, Julian received a message.
It was a document about Toxic.
Aside from the general move-training method, it also contained targeted tips for Croagunk and Toxicroak, based on their physical characteristics, to enhance toxicity.
[KingGarchomp:This is all the information I know about Toxic. It should be enough for your training needs. If there’s anything you don’t understand, message me]
[Singing Jangmo-o:I actually do have a question right now]
[KingGarchomp:Go on]
[Singing Jangmo-o:It’s about the girl from the photo I sent you. I plan to pursue her. Do you have any practical romance tips you can teach me?]
Cynthia’s mouth twitched.
She told him to ask about Toxic, and he asked for romance tips instead.
Worse, he was asking her how to pursue herself.
Shameless!
I treat you as a friend, and you want me to teach you how to make me have your children?
But she could not expose the truth.
And honestly, he had looked rather pitiful today.
Hmm
If he failed completely, that would be even more pitiful.
Then Cynthia suddenly reacted.
[KingGarchomp:Are you only interested because she’s pretty and you’re attracted to her body?]
[Singing Jangmo-o:How did you know?]
[KingGarchomp:Get lost!]
Julian was confused.
Why did he suddenly react so strongly?
So strange
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